When Mildred Camacho thinks back to her childhood, her memories are laced with faith, admiration, and a very special connection to a man who would one day become the pope.
To her, he’s not just Pope Leo XIV — he’s her beloved godfather.
A Bond That Started Before She Was Born
Mildred, now a 29-year-old mother of two from Peru, lights up when she talks about her godfather.
Her connection to Pope Leo XIV began years before the world knew his name.
Back then, he was simply Father Robert Prevost — a young Augustinian missionary serving in the town of Chulucanas in Peru.
“My godfather, we love you! Long live the pope!” she said with joy, recalling the deep admiration she’s felt for him for as long as she can remember.
Speaking to EWTN Noticias, she added, “It’s not something that started recently. I’ve admired him since I was a little girl.”
How Her Father Met the Future Pope
It all began with her father, Héctor Camacho, who as a teenager served as an altar boy at the Chulucanas cathedral.
hat’s where he first met Father Prevost in the mid-1980s.
The young missionary had just arrived in Peru and immediately left an impression on the local community.
“He taught us to have faith in God, to be respectful and kind, and to always try to better ourselves,” Héctor recalled.
His bond with Father Prevost only deepened over time, especially when he moved to Trujillo for his studies and reconnected with the priest.
A Touching Gesture and a Lifelong Link
When Father Prevost had to travel back to the United States after his mother passed away, Héctor asked if he could name his soon-to-be-born daughter after her — and he agreed.
That daughter, Mildred, was later baptized at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Chulucanas, with Father Prevost becoming her godfather.
The baptism marked the start of a lifelong spiritual connection.
Although they didn’t see each other often, Mildred always felt the presence of her godfather’s teachings in her life.
His Words Never Left Her
Even when they were apart, Father Prevost made an effort to stay in touch.
Mildred fondly remembers receiving emails from him — thoughtful messages that reminded her of his warmth and wisdom.
And whenever he was in town for Mass or special events, he always made time to say hello to her and her family.
These gestures may have seemed small, but for Mildred, they meant everything.
They reinforced the values her godfather had quietly passed on — faith, humility, and a life of purpose.
From Humble Servant to Global Leader
Today, Father Robert Prevost is known to the world as Pope Leo XIV.
But to Mildred, he will always be the kind-hearted priest who guided her family, stood by them through major life moments, and quietly inspired her to walk a life of faith.
And now, as she watches him lead the global Church, she does so with the proud heart of a goddaughter who knew the pope before the world did.